When MUSCLE MILK&reg was first introduced, we attempted to emulate human mother's milk, one of nature's most anabolic, complete and balanced foods. In doing that, MUSCLE MILK created a new category of protein products, while setting a new standard for both taste and performance. As a result, MUSCLE has become America's favorite protein drink.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF FAT! The LEAN LIPIDS used in MUSCLE MILK are more likely burned for muscle energy and heat than stored as fat. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), the pre-digested, fast-burning fats help provide the caloric energy needed to fuel exercise and recovery. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids from canola and sunflower oil provide essential omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.

CHOOSE CARBOHYDRATES WISELY Low-sugar, high fiber complex carbs are an important part of a healthy, active lifestyle. The starch-based complex carbs found in MUSCLE MILK supply energy to the body in the form of glucose. Glucose is the only energy source for red blood cells and a preferred energy source for anaerobically exercising muscles.

Since we founded CytoSport in 1998, we've been dedicated to working with sports scientists, coaches and trainers to redefine protein enhanced products for active lifestyles and serious athletes - supporting performance when it matters.Over the years, we've expanded to create a comprehensive line that encompasses the athletic experience from preparation, to hydration, to recovery. Our products are among the very few that are subjected to third party independent testing to ensure they are manufactured in compliance with NSF International's GMP for Sport Registration. Our facilities are also inspected and regulated by the FDA. We carefully manufacture our powder products and ready-to-drink pre-blends onsite at our corporate campus in Benicia, California. Making responsible and efficacious products for athletes and active lifestyle individuals requires responsibility on all fronts. As our business has grown, so has our footprint. We have made environmental sustainability a focus and driver in everyday decision making.Through it all, CytoSport has been committed to one thing, building athletes from the inside out. - Greg and Mike Pickett, Father/Son

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Supplement Facts

Take MUSCLE MILK anytime you would take in a shake or gainer, but want a better tasting, more anabolic formula. Mix two scoops in 10-12 oz. water. Want even more satisfaction? Mix withlow-fat milk. Tastes like a real milkshake. Honest!

BEFORE & DURING WORKOUTSFor a truly awesome weight workout, take CYTOMAX™ and MUSCLE MILK together during the workout. Flooding the body with growth nutrients, plus the patented acid buffers of CYTOMAX, gives new meaning to “burning down the house.”

AFTER WORKOUTSAfter workouts, the body is in a catabolicstate. MUSCLE MILK helps reverse this muscle breakdown by "tricking" the body into muscle synthesis when you normally break down muscle.

PRIOR TO BEDTIMESleep is actually a catabolic period. Remember, breakfast means to "break your fast" of the night. During any fast, you break down precious muscle tissue for energy. MUSCLE MILK will help you wake up more anabolic.The following supplement facts are the daily values when product is mixed with water. Please see product label for values when mixing with milk.

Disclaimer:
This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only. GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products.

Pumping Up? How to Pick Your Protein Supplement

Our protein supplement guide will help you excel on the court, in the gym, or on the road

If you take your workouts seriously, nutrition should be top of mind too. Protein is a great place to start, and focusing on getting the right types of protein, in the right amounts, and at the right times is key. Our protein supplement guide will help you meet your wellness goals, potentially improving your performance on the court, in the gym, or on the road.

What type?

Whey

Whey protein is quick to digest and provides all of the protein building blocks - the amino acids. Our bodies cannot make some amino acids, and whey is ideal for meeting essential amino acid needs. Whey also supplies branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and some research supports that they aid muscle recovery after hard workouts.

Casein

Compared with whey, casein is slower to digest, and results in a lower, yet more prolonged rise in blood amino acid levels, which may provide a particular advantage for body builders. At least one study supports that casein outshines whey in terms of promoting strength and lean body mass gains in people following a structured weight-training plan.

Rice

Rice protein is less likely to create allergic reactions than other proteins, and it comes from a plant, making it appropriate for vegetarians. Another potential advantage is that rice protein contains a high proportion of arginine, an amino acid that can dilate blood vessels, possibly enhancing blood flow to muscles. Rice is not a "complete" protein however; it doesn't supply all of the essential amino acids. Some products combine rice protein with proteins from sources like soy or milk to make it complete.

Egg

Egg protein is ideal for people who are looking to build new muscle. It has a very high protein efficiency ratio (PER), which is one measure of how well our bodies can use any particular form of protein. The higher the PER, the more efficiently our bodies can use that protein when we eat it. Egg is off the charts in terms of PER. Egg protein also is a complete protein, and is a good source of essential and branched chain amino acids. Egg protein powder is made from egg whites, and comes in a convenient, pasteurized powder form.

Soy

Soy protein is a high-quality plant protein that provides all essential amino acids, making it a good option for vegetarians. For the body to best utilize soy protein, vegetarians should also eat grain or dairy within a few days. Soy protein comes in two basic forms: soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate. Soy protein isolate is the most highly purified form, and has a minimum protein content of 90%. Soy protein concentrate contains more carbohydrates, and has a protein content of approximately 70%. Concentrates tend to cost a little less, but if you find soy protein concentrate doesn't agree with you, try isolate, which is easier for some people to digest.

How much?

With protein, as with many nutrients, more is not always better. According to Dr. Doug Paddon-Jones, Associate Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch and Director of Exercise Studies, "30 grams of protein appears to stimulate maximum muscle synthesis. For athletes, each meal and snack is a chance to hit the 30 gram mark, giving your body several opportunities each day to maximize muscle growth and repair."

Another reason to spread protein evenly through the day is simple efficiency. "Given that your body won't use much beyond 30 grams of protein at a time, it doesn't make sense to load up with more than this," says Paddon-Jones.

When?

Breakfast-To support muscle building first thing in the morning, try trading traditional carb-heavy breakfast foods for more protein-rich options, such as a powder protein supplement mixed with milk and cereal.

If you're heading into a long strength-training session-Sipping a casein-based protein supplement prior to and during your workout will give muscles sustained access to amino acids. If taken in the evening, casein can provide a steady supply of amino acids while you're sleeping.

Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD, an author, speaker, and internationally recognized expert in chronic disease prevention, epidemiology, and nutrition, has taught medical, nursing, public health, and alternative medicine coursework. She has delivered over 150 invited lectures to health professionals and consumers and is the creator of a nutrition website acclaimed by the New York Times and Time magazine. Suzanne received her training in epidemiology and nutrition at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health at Ann Arbor.

I'm one of the types that is extremely difficult to gain weight, no matter how much I eat or workout. When I first started taking Muscle Milk I weighed 130lbs and after 2 months, I had a gain of 20lbs. I have tried many of the other flavors Muscle Milk has and I find Orange Cream to be the best tasting. It's easy to mix (with GNC's blender bottle) and tastes like an orange cream ice cream bar on a hot summer day. If you mix with water it still tastes good but with milk, you'll never switch to any other flavor.